HealthPartners - Your guide to pregnancy

PRETERM LABOR Labor usually begins sometime after 37 weeks of pregnancy (40 weeks is full term). A baby born before 37 weeks is considered premature, and these infants may need special care in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) or

Your contractions must be strong enough to dilate the cervix. Your health care provider may do a pelvic exam to see if your cervix is thinning and opening, then decide how to manage your preterm labor based on how far along you are and what is best for the health of both you and your baby. Rh DISEASE During your first prenatal visit, your blood type and Rh factor will be checked. Your blood will be 1 of 4 types (O, A, B, or AB), and your Rh factor will be either Rh positive (Rh+) or Rh negative (Rh-). Most people are Rh+. If both parents have the same Rh factor (Rh+ or Rh-), their baby won’t have a blood compatibility problem. If you are Rh- and your baby is Rh+, it could put your baby at risk for developing hemolytic disease, a serious and sometimes life threatening condition. A special injection of Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg) can protect your baby from developing hemolytic disease. This injection is routinely given at 28 weeks of pregnancy. It’s also given within 72 hours after birth if your baby is Rh+ (the baby’s blood type is tested after birth). This injection also prevents Rh disease issues in future pregnancies.

SCAN + PLAY

special care nursery to breathe and keep them warm. Premature birth can be a serious risk to your newborn. The earlier that preterm labor occurs, the greater the risk to your baby. Premature babies can have organs that are not fully developed, leading to breathing, hearing, and vision problems. They may also have long-term learning or behavioral disabilities. Many risk factors have been linked to preterm birth. But not everyone who experiences preterm labor has risk factors. You are at the highest risk if you have already had at least 1 preterm birth. Other high-risk factors include twins; a fetal birth defect; problems with the cervix, uterus, and placenta; and others. Feeling contractions does not always mean you are in labor. See “ Braxton Hicks Contractions ” on page 49.

WARNING!

Warning signs of preterm labor may include: •Uterine contractions (Four contractions in 20 minutes or 8 contractions in an hour.) •Menstrual cramps that come and go or are constant •Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea •Low backache that comes and goes or is constant •Pelvic pressure that feels like the baby is pushing down •A sudden increase in vaginal discharge — watery, mucuslike, or slightly bloody Call your health care provider immediately if you have 1 or more of these warning signs. You may be in premature labor!

Your Guide to A Healthy Pregnancy

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